Re: Repair and Tuneup

Hi,
I'm new to this site and my question probably has been answered before, but here goes:

I have a Super Olds trumpet 341XXX from around 1959-60. It has never been tuned up, cleaned up (I'm not interested in having the brass redone. I've owned it since around 1962.

It plays amazingly well and I'd like to get it spruced up a bit.

Does anyone have a recommendation for me?
I live in Connecticut.

Thanks!
Jack

If your trumpet plays as well as you state, and you are not overly concerned about its cosmetics, why spend money to possibly alter its stellar performance? There is an old saying among mechanical technicians of all kinds, "if it ain't broke, why try to fix it?".

Re: Repair and Tuneup

Since you are new, why not go to 'introductions and greetings' and post some background information there. That way, you can contact a lot of others in this community. It is a very useful and effective place to learn more about anything trumpet-related. After all, yesterday I couldn't even spell troomputplayr - now I are one.
Welcome to TM. Enjoy your time among us.

P.S. I started on an Olds in 1955 and now own several. Aren't they wonderful?

Re: Repair and Tuneup

Originally Posted by Jack M

Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate it. What would be your recommendation for valve oil and slide treatment?
Thanks!
Jack

First, a soak in warm water and liquid detergent of choice, I use Pine Sol green. Then, a scrub out of all of the tubing and the valve ports with a nylon bristle brush and the remains of the detergent and water solution. Be sure to clean the valves seperately, so that you can keep the felts dry. Dry the horn well, pulling absorbant rags through until totally dry. Lube the slides with a petrolatum/ lanolin mix, like Bag Balm. Oil the valves with a high quality synthetic valve oil. I use Hetmans. The above proceedure should be repeated at least every other month.

Re: Repair and Tuneup

A professional chem clean can get stuff out that traditional DIY methods don't. New corks and felts are also useful after so much time. Dings and dents can be removed with marginal effect to the laquer. No need to refinish the horn, but the rest does not cost much and can extend the life and "fun"!